Teacher Appreciation Week 2019

All year long, our teachers at NAI help us learn, grow, and laugh. They help us form our own opinions, provide positive support, and make the whole school community a little brighter. No matter how bad of a day you’re having, there’s always that one class with that one teacher that will make you smile– the one that you know is teaching you so much more than Algebra or grammar or Chemistry. There’s always that one classroom you can enter and feel safe. Whether it’s a class with that one relaxing, mindful teacher, or with one that pushes you to your limits, you know that it’s where you belong. Because that’s what our teachers here do. They make school feel a little like home.

This week, May 6th to May 10th, is Teacher Appreciation week, and NAEye is celebrating some teachers who give their all every single day.

We’re acknowledging the teachers that are always there to give you a high five and to lend a helping hand– because it matters. The passion and hard work these educators put into their subject and the kindness they show to their students leaves a permanent impact. Their unconditional support in kids sparks inspiration and self-confidence inside and outside the classroom.

The work our teachers put in, their effort to make educational material simpler and the hours they put in for their students cannot be understated.

Which is exactly why, even though our school is always grateful for its upstanding teachers, we want to take this week especially to say a huge thank you.

Here are some messages from the students about their favorite staff members, citing some of their favorite memories and thanking their mentors for giving them confidence, wisdom, and the unquestionable belief that they can do anything they set their mind to.

Mrs. Gibson

"She has made my biology year extremely fun and lighthearted. She always kept a smile and woke me up in the mornings when I was asleep. I'm so happy I had her for biology this year."
Connor Smith, Freshman

Señora Mantella

"She prepared me very well for all of my tests. She appreciated me like I appreciated her ."
Elizabeth Cuba, Freshman

Mr. Downs

"He is a great teacher for the way he teaches us the material and how we get to learn in his class."
Josh Vazquez, Sophomore
"He is just a really great teacher and is wonderful at what he does."
John Dowd, Freshman

Señora Degarmo

"She continues to encourage me to keep up with Spanish and always makes me feel good when I am having a bad day she really is my favorite person at this school."
Sophia Caruso, Sophomore

Mrs. Kuehn

"Mrs. Kuehn never gives up on her students. Her passion for health and physical education shows in each day of class. The lessons that she writes on the board become lessons for life. We carry these with us while pursuing our many athletic activities. Thank you, Mrs. Kuehn, for supporting your students to reach high."
Gabrielle Maletta, Sophomore
"She has made an impact on me by making sure I ge...

Mrs. Beresford

"She is constantly in a good mood and tries to make the information presentable #loveher."
Jaida, Freshman

Mrs. Watt

"She is so amazing and inspiring. She makes me want to come to school and do my best. She is a great role model and is kind, smart, beautiful, caring, and inspiring. She is my favorite teacher."
Bridget Haddad, Freshman
"She is a ray of sunshine on an early morning and I always enjoy coming to her class."
Eliza Lowman, Sophomore

Mrs. Vescovi

"We appreciate Mrs. Vescovi because she always helps us when we are in need (which happens a lot) and when she gives us Pop Essays, we do not need to write a whole essay."
Lily Owens, Molly Kigin, and Emily Guajardo, Freshmans
"She makes class enjoyable and never gives us anything we can't handle. She has also made me better at English."
Marissa Stemmerick , Freshman

Mr. McClelland

"He prepared me very well for all of my tests. He appreciated me like I appreciated him."
Elizabeth Cuba, Freshman

Mr. Dresmich

"I’m so grateful for such a great art teacher. He is so inspirational, encouraging, and funny. Even though I pretty much live in the art wing, he doesn't get toooo mad at me for bugging him, he is always happy to help me with anything that I need. I have also been introduced to many different art related opportunities through him. I couldn’t have asked for a better high school art teacher. Quite...

Mrs. Hunt

"She prepared me very well for all of my tests. She appreciated me like I appreciated her."
Elizabeth Cuba, Freshman

Mr. Deaugustino

"Mr. D always put in so much passion and effort into his teaching. He was very committed to making sure every single student understood what they were doing and felt confident in their ability. He would give his students his absolute all. His class was engaging, funny, and challenging in the best way possible because he inspires everyone to put in their hardest work every day, and that lesson is always...

Mr. Ringer

"I appreciate Mr. Ringer because he cares about his students. While his personality may be quiet, he always wants his students to succeed and encourages us. It is great to come into his class and do something I enjoy, with him being there to help as well. He has taught me much about computer science, and I now hope to major in it in college. I especially appreciate how he says good morning to every...

Chief Speer

"He is helping me with my future to become a commercial airline pilot, and he doesn't get much recognition for all he did for our country."
Jacob King, Freshman

Major Kolar

"He is helping me with my future to become a commercial airline pilot, and he doesn't get much recognition for all he did for our country."
Jacob King, Freshman
"He has taught me integrity first, and to be excellent in all I do."
Logan Matvey, Freshman

Mrs. Kay

"She has made an impact on me by making sure I get the help I need and also she's taught me valuable lessons that I'll use when I get older."
Clara Pavlick, Sophomore
"Mrs. Kay is the teacher I also go to when I'm troubled."
Ethan Wagner, Freshman

Magistra Block

"Magistra Block has led me to love Latin. I appreciate her because she works very hard to teach our class about the history and language of the Romans, and we learn so much every day. She is also an advisor of JCL, the Junior Classical League, and through it, she encourages so many students to engage in the classics. Forever we'll hold to the purple and gold of the Junior Classical League! Overall,...

Mr. Coleman

"He has pushed me to always do my very best during math class by using fun ways to understand everything. He always makes jokes and is able to make learning a little bit more fun. He is also always really easy to talk to and understands everything we are going through as students."
Charity Koontz, Sophomore
"He has pushed me to understand math, and "own it". He is also very friendly outside of the c...

Mr. Love

"He's just a really great teacher and is wonderful at what he does."
John Dowd, Freshman
"Mr.Love has been there for me in class with understanding how I exercise outside of class and then tries his best to help me get better at what I love to do. He also teaches my friends and me a lot during lunch that I can take with me to learn from and use later in life. I highly appreciate that Mr.Love rea...

Mr. Doremus

"He's really nice and so hecking funny. Honestly English class is the highlight of my morning with him lol. He also teaches well but he's just a great person :D"
Anonymous
"He is a really great teacher and is wonderful at what he does."
John Dowd, Freshman

Mrs. Trice

"She has always followed up with me regarding any math work I seemed to be confused with. She has also given me important information in order to make educated decisions about my future plans."
Patrick Stalter, Sophomore
"You have made math fun for me, which I thought was nearly impossible. You pushed me to work harder and strive to be the best I can be. I am forever grateful for what you have do...

Mrs. Talhouk

"I appreciate Mrs. Talhouk because not only does she make learning about literature fun, but she also makes it insightful. She constantly encourages students to dig deep within themselves to construct thoughtfully written and spoken arguments. She welcomes open discussion within the classroom and outside of it. She is very approachable and makes it very clear that she is always available."
Mia Naccara...

Mr. Winschel

"Mr Winschel has a unique teaching style and that style has allowed me to do really well in his class. I am motivated to participate in class discussions more because of the high spirit honors board."
Jack Mura, Freshman
"Not only is he an amazing cross country and track coach, he is a phenomenal teacher. I always leave his class wishing I could stay to find out what happens next. Very few teacher...

Mrs. Allen

"She was my biology teacher last year and she was the coolest teacher I know. She was always so peppy and her southern drawl is just comforting when you're freaking out about cellular respiration. She's such a nice person, is so kind, and made learning biology pretty easy. She also played some great Pentatonix music during the holidays."
Anna Mott, Sophomore

Frau Kroenke

"She has taken the time to support me and make learning fun."
Anna Parsons, Freshman

Mr. McNavage

"He has pushed me to always be better and always look on the bright side of every situation."
Dom Gralia, Sophomore

Mr. Jorden

"This teacher has made a great impact on my life, due to his amazing teaching style and his ability to always make time in their schedule to help me or any of his students with anything!"
Praneel Murthy, Sophomore
"His passion for chemistry is highly contagious. I have greatly enjoyed his class, especially all of the exciting labs. He is also very understanding and always helps out when I have ...

Madame Mangan

"She has made me laugh every day, she is a great teacher, and I actually enjoy learning. She makes my first period great!"
Kendall Trunzo, Sophomore
"No matter how bad I am at French, she is always here to help me. She never seems to get annoyed with all the questions I have and is always helping me out when something confuses me. Madame also seems to love talking to her students, so I'm never afr...

Mr. Paylo

"Mr. Paylo makes going to math class something I want to do. Not only do I feel like I can always ask a question, but he will joke around with my class and I to make us feel more comfortable. He might not realize it but he makes everyone in my class smile everyday and it impacts us more than he can imagine."
Cassandra Pultorak, Freshman
"He is such an amazing teacher and I learn very quickly fro...

Mrs. Pontiere

"She has supported me from the start of freshman mixed choir through the beginning of 10th grade, PMEA, and now. If I ever doubted myself in competition or before a solo, especially in PMEA, she was quick to reassure me. Not only has she taught me so much more about music, she helped my love for music grow. Mrs. Pontiere made the chorus classroom feel like a home away from home."
Sarah Jones, Sophomo...

Mr. Moore

"Mr. Moore is the teacher I always look forward to seeing and he has only been here for a few months."
Ethan Wagner, Freshman

Herr Demkee

"Herr Demkee is always full of enthusiasm and compassion. He makes his class enjoyable and fun and obviously genuinely cares about helping his students. It always feels like I can ask him anything and that he’s rooting for all of us. He’s great at teaching and simplifying complicated material, is incredibly patient, and makes us smile every day with his cheesy jokes."
Kristen Kinzler, Sophomo...

Dr. Morrow

"She is always willing to help when needed and teaches in a simplified way that makes it very easy to understand."
Eliza Lowman, Sophomore

Monsieur Hedderman

"Mr. Hedderman is such an amazing teacher. I love how he jokes around with students during class, and I love that he always has a smile on his face. He is always very funny and compassionate. He has so much energy when he teaches and I really enjoy going to class. I appreciate him because he is very encouraging and fun, and I love how he can relate to the students."
Keeley Misutka, Freshman

Mr. Layton

"His humor and "complimentary attedi" really makes the class fun."
Stewart Messer, Freshman
"He's pretty rad, no further explanation needed."
Samantha Podnar, Freshman
"He has taken the time to support me and make learning fun."
Anna Parsons, Freshman
"He has prepared me very well for all of my tests. He appreciates me like I appreciate him."
Elizabeth Cuba, Freshman
"He is always s...

Mrs. Ferruchie

"She not only is really passionate about the subject she teaches, but she also really cares about her students. She always wants to hear what you have to say. She is also really encouraging about writing. I have never really been the best writer, but I feel that after all the help she has given me throughout the year, I have really improved my writing skills. Overall, I think she is an amazing teacher...

Dr. Gallo

"Dr. Gallo is incredibly and kind and supportive. She cares so much about her students in all aspects of their life and is always in their corner. I enjoyed her class last year, but, now, I love having her as a mentor even more. She truly knows how to leave a compassionate impact on her students, and I’ll always be grateful for that."
Kristen Kinzler, Sophomore
'She has made her classroom ve...

Mr. Hull

"Mr. Hull is a god and he's honestly the best teacher and has taught me a lot about life and stuff."
Maisy Wadlow, Freshman
"Mr.Hull is a cool guy. English went from a class I would dread to my favorite class of the day. Mr. Hull = English GOD."
Anna Kegel, Freshman
"His passionate and energetic personality always puts a smile on my face. Also, he has encouraged and motivated me to step out of m...

Mrs. Progar

"I was really struggling with math until she came back from leave to teach again. She's helped me numerous times with things I don't understand and continues to be there whenever I need it on a daily basis. I really appreciate how she truly aims to help us succeed as best she can because not many teachers do."
Megan Kennedy, Sophomore
"She is so incredibly nice, understanding, and brightens up...

Mr. Geibel

"I want to give a special shout-out to Mr. Geibel because his class is easily my favorite class of the day. He teaches in a way that's interesting and engaging, and he has a great personality. It's easy to tell that he cares greatly about his students and genuinely wants the best for us."
Lily Courville, Sophomore
"I appreciate Mr. Geibel because he is an awesome teacher, really chill, makes you...

Mr. Rak

"He has taken the time to support me and make learning fun."
Anna Parsons, Freshman
"Mr. Rak is a great key club advisor, volunteering much of his time to run the club, and volunteering with members at club events. He is the heart of key club, and exemplifies the characteristics of a true humanitarian."
Anonymous
"Mr. Rak is amazing. His dedication to making a class concise and easily unders...

Mr. Hildenbrand

"Mr. Hildenbrand has got the best energy out of any teacher and is great to talk to."
Rohan Puri, Sophomore
"He takes time out of his schedule to make sure that his students understand the material and are able to enjoy and make connections in the class."
Anonymous

Ms. Dulemba

"She is incredibly kind and extremely light-hearted. She teaches very well, and I learn so much from her, not only just the subject she teaches. She also jokes around and keeps the mood high, and I love talking to her about various different things. I also know that if I need help with something, I can count on her to help me out. She has a great sense of humor is not afraid to tell a joke."
Karen Shamir,...

Mr. Banks

"He is willing to help you with your project even if you are a complete idiot."
Stewart Messer, Freshman
"He has taught me that it is okay to have failures, as long as you understand why and can improve on them."
Trey Griswold, Freshman

Mr. Howell

"He has made every single day in class unique and fun. He cares a lot about his job and shows true passion and excitement about what he is teaching, and his vigor rubs off on his students. His class creates strong bonds between the students, and seeing him every day feels almost like seeing a friend. He has high expectations for his students, but he gives us everything that we need to succeed and even...

Mr. Lamm

"Mr. Lamm has taught me multiple real life lessons I will always remember and whether he likes it or not, he seems like he loves his job and wants to help students grow."
Maisy Wadlow, Freshman
"Mr. Lamm doesn't just teach the curriculum he teaches us real life lessons. Whether he wants to admit it or not he's clearly passionate about his job as a teacher."
Anna Kegel, Freshman
"I appreciat...

Mr. Funka

"The best rambler in the land combined with history jokes that only like two people understand, make Mr. Funka the cream of the crop."
John Catanzaro, Sophomore
"Mr. Funka is a history god. We know way too much about history because of him, but it makes us smarter and cooler. Although his obsession with dancing Putin GIFS can be a little concerning, we love him all the same. He truly made our s...

Mr. Baldanzi

"Mr. Baldanzi is a GOD!"
Anna Kegel, Freshman
"Everyone loves Mr. Baldanzi. He connects and gets to know all of his students and really loves what he does and makes sure to give us the best experience in his classes"
Theo DiBiasi, Sophomore
"He's the man. He's awesome."
Dom Chiodo, Freshman
"He taught me the importance of effort in school and the importance of friendships. He is by far my...

Mr. Zavacky

"He does not mind when I bug him about chemistry help and questions and he always has fun stories to tell about his life and chemistry!"
Miarra Misutka, Sophomore
"When I first started chemistry, I was so nervous about what it had to hold. I had always heard horror stories from the sophomores when I was a freshman. They talked about how hard the tests were, the insane workload, and so much more...

Mr. Bockoven

"I’m so grateful for such a great art teacher. He is so inspirational, encouraging, and funny. Even though I pretty much live in the art wing, he doesn't get toooo mad at me for bugging him, and he is always happy to help me with anything that I need. I have also been introduced to many different art-related opportunities through him. I couldn’t have asked for a better high school art teacher....

Mrs. Jones

"She’s always asking how I’m doing since I was injured for a while and overall is a very nice and sweet teacher if you don’t make her mad."
Teagan Karwoski, Sophomore
"She is always giving the class motivational speeches encouraging us to continue our hard work. She always has an optimistic and easy going mood that brightens up my day and is eager to help us improve if we have any questio...

Mr. Anticole

"Wow. Honestly, Mr. Anticole is one of the best teachers I have ever had. Starting off, he is absolutely hilarious and makes classes and conversations with him the highlight of your day. He’s so down-to-earth and approachable that you’re not afraid to ask questions. Mr. Anticole is also an amazing teacher. He explains things very thoroughly and always tries to give a student an answer. If he does...

Mrs. Lavelle

"I will be forever grateful to have Mrs. Lavelle as my teacher for the past two years. I appreciate all that she has taught me, and how she has helped me grow confidence in my violin playing. She shows genuine care about me and the rest of her students, which I greatly appreciate. I feel like if I had any issue at all, I would be able to confide in her- and I will always be thankful for that. I look...

Mrs. Scholtz

"She prepared me very well for all of my tests. She appreciated me like I appreciated her."
Elizabeth Cuba, Freshman
"I love her lively, bubbly personality, and her class helped so much to prepare me for 10th grade. She is so sweet and was always available to help when I had a question/problem."
Hanna Petrichevich, Sophomore

Mrs. Holland

"She pushes all of her students to do the best that they can, and she cares about the well being of everyone."
Paige Branagan and Almira Kusuma, Sophomores
"She always has a smile on her face and constantly radiates positivity. Everyday she encourages her students to try their hardest and just be kind to one another. All around, she is a wonderful, kind-hearted human being and has made math cl...